Finally got Thule to ship XG-12 Pro snow chains after wating on a three month back-order via JC Whitney. Also discovered why SMB West requires signature of a disclosure statement when you buy a van from them; chains are not approved for use with the van, but some other "approved traction device" may be used. According to Ford's Owners Manual, SAE Type S "chains" are approved for use. Here's California State law on the subject:
V C Section 9953 Information Regarding Tire Chains
Information Regarding Tire Chains
9953. Every manufacturer of a new motor vehicle sold in this state which, as equipped, may not be operated with tire chains shall do both of the following:
(a) Indicate that fact in the owner's manual for the vehicle or other written material provided by the manufacturer regarding the vehicle.
(b) Provide each of its franchised new motor vehicle dealers in this state with a list of the affected vehicle models on an annual basis and prior to the manufacturer's introduction of its new model year vehicles. The list shall include sufficient information, including information regarding tire sizes where necessary, to allow the selling dealer to determine when disclosure is required pursuant to Section 11713.6.
Amended Sec. 1, Ch. 452, Stats. 1995. Effective January 1, 1996.
V C Section 11713.6 Additional Unlawful Acts Dealers Tire Chains
Additional Unlawful Acts: Dealers: Tire Chains
(a) It is unlawful and a violation of this code for the holder of any dealer's license issued under this article to fail to disclose in writing to the buyer or lessee of a new motor vehicle, that the vehicle, as equipped, may not be operated on a highway signed for the requirement of tire chains if the owner's manual or other material provided by the manufacturer states that the vehicle, as equipped, may not be operated with tire chains.
(b) The disclosure required under subdivision (a) shall meet both of the following requirements:
(1) The disclosure shall be printed in not less than 14-point boldface type on a single sheet of paper that contains no information other than the disclosure.
(2) The disclosure shall include the following language in capital letters: "AS EQUIPPED, THIS VEHICLE MAY NOT BE OPERATED WITH TIRE CHAINS BUT MAY ACCOMMODATE SOME OTHER TYPE OF TIRE TRACTION DEVICE. SEE THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR DETAILS."
(c) Prior to the sale or lease, the dealer shall present the disclosure statement for the buyer's or lessee's signature and then shall provide the buyer or lessee with a copy of the signed disclosure.
Added Ch. 6, Stats. 1991. Effective January 1, 1991.
Amended Sec. 2, Ch. 452, Stats. 1995. Effective January 1, 1996.
Here's another link on this forum regarding snow chain:
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/vie...c19470c#p43642